Alkyd enamels are on sale in a wide assortment today. They are paints and varnishes, which are characterized by abrasion resistance, versatility, as well as the brightness of colors. You can use these enamels for external or internal work, this is due to the fact that the paint can be matte, glossy, as well as semi-gloss.
Specifications
Alkyd enamels are made on the basis of alkyd varnish and solvents with a filler. Among other things, the composition contains pigments that can give the coating a color. Manufacturers in some cases include antiseptic additives in the combination, they are necessary to protect the surface from fungus and mold. White spirit acts as the main solvent. It can be used when the paint has thickened. But the filler, as a rule, is marble chips, sand or granite chips. Universal alkyd enamel does not contain ordinary crumbs or sand, since their fraction is much smaller than that used in production, and in structure these materials resemble flour. The main component of such enamels is alkyd varnish, which can be represented by a glyphthalic or pentaphthalic variety. The latter is used most often for production and is a rather thick resin solution. In this case, rosin, vegetable oil and glycerin are added to the ingredients. After the varnish is ready, it is mixed with a solvent, which allows you to get alkyd enamel.
Key Features
Alkyd enamels are characterized by some features, among them we can distinguish durability and high elasticity. After application, such coatings dry quickly, which allows them to be used indoors without concern. Among other things, such paints do not turn yellow after drying, do not lose color and do not shrink. They can be used for street work, as they are characterized by high weather resistance. Even if they are affected by temperature extremes, rain or snow, they do not lose their characteristics. Alkyd enamels are used to protect various metal surfaces from corrosion. Thus, the composition can be applied to radiators, doors and furniture. After drying, the surface can be wet cleaned with detergents. That is why the composition is recommended to be applied on the surface inside the bathrooms and pools.
Classification
The enamels described, depending on the classification, may have different properties, areas of use and application methods. Each brand has its own alphanumeric code, which allows you to determine whether the composition belongs to one or another category. For example, PF-120 is a matte white mixture, which is designed for street work. If the marking shows the number "0", then this indicates that before you is an enamel primer intended for priming surfaces. The number "2" indicates that the composition can be used inside heated and unheated rooms. If you need to choose paints and varnishes intended for temporary sealing of equipment, then conservation paints marked with the number "3" should be preferred. Alkyd enamel, the characteristics of which are determined by the alphanumeric designation, can have the qualities of water resistance. These features are indicated by the number "4" in the marking. Quite often, consumers are looking for paints that can cope with the repelling of rodents or have the ability to glow in the dark. This category includes special paints, which are indicated by the number "5". Enamels that are resistant to gasoline and oils are indicated by the number "6". Compounds capable of undergoing exposure to chemicals are indicated by the number "7". If you need to choose a heat-resistant paint, you should pay attention to the designation, which should be the number "8". Electrical insulating or conductive paints are indicated by nine.
The use of enamel GF-230
This alkyd enamel, the technical characteristics of which will be presented below, is intended for internal work on painting walls and ceilings. It can not be used for floors, since it is not able to cope with mechanical stresses. Before starting use, the composition should be diluted to the desired consistency with turpentine or white spirit. On sale you can find many shades of gleftal enamel, which begin from dark and end with light cream colors. Application can be made in one of three ways, namely using a spray, roller or brush. The layer will dry after application within 24 hours, and during the work you will feel a pronounced smell of varnish.
The use of enamel PF-133
If you need alkyd white enamel, then you can choose the above, which is used for painting metal surfaces or substrates previously primed. The composition is applied in two layers, since the covering ability is not very high. Paint consumption ranges from 20 to 120 grams per square meter. The surface will dry for 2 hours. On sale you can find 15 not very bright colors. If surfaces or substrates are used in a temperate climate, then the varnish will retain its protective properties for about six years, without deforming or cracking.
The use of PF-115
These varnishes are intended for outdoor painting on wood, metal and other surfaces. Application should be made in two layers, since the covering ability is low, the flow rate can be from 30 to 120 grams per square meter. 24 shades can be found on sale, and application is most often done with a brush or spray. The base can be operated at least eight, maximum 24 hours after application. The described composition has a rich glossy gloss.
The use of enamel PF-223
If the described coatings are thickened, then an alkyd enamel solvent may be used for them. However, if you purchased a new enamel of the aforementioned brand, then you can immediately use it for metal and wood surfaces that will be used indoors. For radiators, this composition is ideal, since it has 17 shades. With it, you can hide the old paint, and the new layer will perfectly withstand the effects of high temperatures. Use for dilution you need gasoline, solvent or xylene. The layer dries up to 36 hours, and when applied, a specific pungent odor will be felt.
Using enamel PF-253
The area of use is plank floors that were previously coated with a primer. Application can be made in two layers with a medium or wide brush. It is possible to dilute the composition with gasoline or turpentine, the composition dries quickly enough, but the final period will depend on the thickness of the layer and the temperature inside the room.
Conclusion
On sale today you can find alkyd and acrylic enamels in a wide range. They can be glossy or matte paints. Depending on the desired effect, a composition with a certain labeling should be purchased.
For example, if you want to cover a product or surface with a mixture that is resistant to moisture, oils and detergents, it is recommended to purchase a matte enamel. And its use is permissible at temperatures from -52 to +600 degrees Celsius, which greatly expands the scope of use of the composition and makes it extremely popular.